Kyler Murray signs 5yr/$230.5 million extension with Arizona Cardinals that includes a study clause

After much speculation resulting from a less than stellar performance from Arizona Cardinals star quarterback, Kyler Murray, in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams, the organization has decided to give him a five-year, $230.5 million extension, with $105 million guaranteed at signing and $160 million guaranteed incase of injury, according to https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34295118/kyler-murray-new-230-million-arizona-cardinals-contract-mandates-four-hours-weekly-film-study. Although Murray is getting a big payday, it comes with some peculiar clauses — that is, for someone who is a franchise quarterback.

There is a clause in Murray’s contract that requires him to study at least four hours of film per game week, in compliance with the terms of the contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1551661427949174784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1551661427949174784%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Fkyler-murray-s-new-contract-with-cardinals-mandates-four-hours-of-independent-st. The clause was labeled “independent study addendum.” The addendum states that Murray will need to study "material provided to him by the Club in order to prepare for the Club's next upcoming game." He will receive “credit” for completing his film study each week, according to his contract.

It’s kind of odd for a professional to abide by a clause that requires him to study gameplay film each week. Isn’t that part of his job already? Murray will not receive credit if he refuses to study or watch film while it’s playing on his tablet, or if he is distracted when the material is playing. Murray’s failure to meet his end of the contract will “deem him in default of the contract,” according to the agreement.

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury spoke to reporters on Monday, stating that he had no involvement regarding the addendum clause, which insists that Murray study at least four hours of gameplay film per week.

Here is Kliffbury at a press conference during day one of training camp.

Murray is a two-time pro bowler and was the 2020 AP Offensive Player of the Year. He is an electrifying athlete and a blur in the open field, similar to the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson. This is not the first contract we’ve seen with clauses, as most require players to be available during offseason workouts or team meetings; but no contract has ever required someone to watch a minimum amount of film, perhaps unprecendented.

Despite having some unusual clauses in the contract and a trade request earlier in the offseason, Murray and the Cardinals seem to have come to a common ground. The next step is to see if the Cardinal’s quarterback can help them win a Super Bowl by the time his deal expires in 2028. Can the miniature lightning bolt of speed that is Murray help them get there? We will have to wait and find out.